Belvoir farewells Armfield

Sydney’s most high profile gay theatre director, Neil Armfield, will resign from his post at the Belvoir Theatre at the end of 2010, marking the end of a 25-year relationship with the company.

Armfield, who spoke fondly of his life in Australian theatre at last year’s Aurora dinner, will resign as artistic director of Company B, leaving the theatre in the hands of general manager Brenna Hobson and a new director, to be appointed at the end of this year.

As artistic director for the past 15 years and one of the original shareholders who fought to keep the Belvoir safe from demolition balls 25 years ago, Armfield admitted it was an emotional decision to leave.

Company B has been my world for many, many years and for me this decision is like no other in its magnitude.

I am fortunate enough to have been offered a number of exciting opportunities overseas and, in the wake of the success of Exit the King in New York, I feel it is the appropriate time to pursue them, he said. He felt confident the wealth of talent present in the Australian theatre scene would provide ample options for a successor.

Company B’s chairwoman Louise Herron offered thanks for Armfield’s many efforts over the years.

His vision, integrity, creative brilliance and impeccable leadership have contributed overwhelmingly to what the company and the theatre are now, and his spirit has been embedded in every work produced by Company B over the last 15 years, she said.
As we reach our 25th anniversary in 2010, we thank Neil eternally for his endless contribution.
Neil Armfield resigns as artistic director of Company B after 15 years.